Neighbourhood Renewal projects showcase their work in the communities in County Derry

Local Neighbourhood Renewal Partnerships in both Coleraine and Limavady have welcomed Elected Members to a showcase event highlighting their wide-ranging work within the community.

In May, the then Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan joined fellow councillors at the event in Cloonavin, where they heard more about the progress of local Neighbourhood Renewal funded projects.

Neighbourhood Renewal projects sit within the Department of Communities ‘People and Place’ strategy with the aim of targeting neighbourhoods in the most deprived 10% of Northern Ireland.

Councillor Callaghan welcomed the event, saying: “It was fantastic to hear about the progress of projects in Coleraine and Limavady.

“Elected Members were able to chat with the local groups who lead on these community projects and it was important that we know where they are facing challenges, so as Councillors we can support where we can.

“There is no doubt that investment is crucial for deprived areas to help improve both quality of life and job opportunities for our residents and I hope to hear more updates on these projects in the future.”

Elaine Donnelly, Programme Manager of Coleraine Sure Start Partnership and Chair of the Coleraine Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, welcomed all those in attendance and gave an overview of the initiative.

Each of the Neighbourhood Renewal funded groups then took to the stage to showcase the work they do, highlighting the impact these projects have in the local community.

Karen Campbell, Manager of Roe Valley Residents Association (RVRA) and Chair of the Limavady Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, noted: “DfC investment for Roe Valley Residents Association currently sits at £38,684, and in return the project generates £564,479 which is a 1500% return on investment. Without this additional funding the project could not operate.”

Neighbourhood Renewal projects include initiatives such as physically upgrading housing estate areas, providing job training and employment opportunities, enhancing healthcare services, or improving educational facilities, and revitalising community spaces.

Elaine Donnelly went on to say: “All of the groups we have heard from this evening face funding challenges - salary scales, terms and conditions, lack of adequate long-term funding and resourcing which is impacting the longer-term vision and sustainability of these projects.”

The Neighbourhood Renewal initiative is aimed at addressing social, economic, and environmental issues within the most deprived communities. It focuses on improving the quality of life for residents in these areas by targeting various aspects such as housing, employment, health, education, and community infrastructure.

This includes initiatives such as physically upgrading housing estate areas, providing job training and employment opportunities, enhancing healthcare services, improving educational facilities, and revitalising community spaces.

There are three Neighbourhood Renewal areas within the Causeway Coast and Glens, Coleraine East, Coleraine Churchlands and Limavady.